GUERNSEY’S fish quay is significantly safer than others around the world, says harbour master Captain Peter Gill. The response came after claims by some of the fishing industry earlier this week that the safety along it was ‘appalling’ and was not being properly looked after.

‘The general condition of the fish quay is an ongoing matter, for which responsibility rests not only with Guernsey Harbours but also with the fishermen who use it,’ said Capt. Gill, pictured right.

‘Regrettably, some users are less considerate than others,’ he said.

Guernsey Harbours is in discussions with user groups and representatives to improve general housekeeping and to address other operational and safety matters as and when they arise.

‘The quay is close to bursting point with fishing boats, which brings with it its own problems,’ said Capt. Gill.

‘If you compare safety with other fish quays in the world, it’s not bad.’

He said he understood the safety concerns of fishermen and accepted there were potential own goals.

‘I like to let the fishing community do its own thing if at all possible – but pontoons are not storage places,’ he said.

He urged fishermen who leave pots and nets on the pontoons unnecessarily to get rid of their gear elsewhere and to tidy up the areas around their boats.

‘Everybody deserves safe access to and from their boats – that is not unreasonable. I’d rather they work together to resolve the problems between themselves. Gear that is left around unnecessarily is the main problem,’ he said.

He said he did not want to interfere without good reason and has no major safety concerns that he believes are uncontrollable.

‘Everyone is entitled to their opinion but I don’t think safety on the fish quay is appalling – it’s untidy yes.

‘It’s largely self-inflicted and it’s the industry recognising their own faults. I would much rather they sorted their own problems out themselves.

‘This is about being safer and more pragmatic – consideration for others is half the battle,’ he advised.

‘If it’s necessary to impose more order, I’m quite happy to do that.’

Yesterday, Alec Duncombe, 61, skipper of Jersey-registered vessel Corentine, described quay safety as terrible.

‘There are pots and ropes everywhere and you could slip anywhere. On the east arm you can hardly get on or off the boat and if there is a storm, you have a job to get off.

‘Another ladder is needed,’ he said.